According to Evonik, the group invested in the low double-digit million euro range in the effort. The expansion will allow for further processing hydrophilic silica to a hydrophobic variety.

Evonik Expansion

The hydrophobic fumed silica that Evonik is producing in its joint venture with Wynca, known as Aerosil, is known for low-moisture absorption and dispersibility, and is used as an anti-setting agent in coating systems and adhesives, among others. The expansion will increase Evonik’s annual production capacity at Rheinfelden by 20 percent.

Evonik

Roughly a month after Evonik Industries (Essen, Germany) announced a joint venture with Wynca to produce fumed silica, Evonik has moved its focus toward expanding production capacity at its facility in Rheinfelden, Germany.

“Rheinfelden is the parent plant for our hydrophobic fumed silicas. We decided in favor of expanding the site because the investment will help us make even better use of existing facilities. In addition, the local process know-how and specific long-term experience with the construction and operation of the plants were essential considerations for us,” said Andreas Fischer, head of the Silica Business Line.

The expansion is slated to open in late 2020.

Joint Partnership

According to the joint venture, announced in late August, the Evonik Wynca Silicon Material Co. Ltd. production facility will be located in Zhenjiang New Material Industry Park, in China’s Jiangsu Province. The plant, slated to have an 8,000-metric-ton annual product output, will open in 2021, though the project still requires approval from the necessary authorities.